Be Brilliant - Dundee 2023 bid announcement

Members of the public are being asked to “be brilliant” and contribute to Dundee’s European Capital of Culture 2023 Bid by submitting their ideas for the proposed programme.

The call for lovers of the city to get involved was made to coincide with a launch today that marks 100 days until the bid proposal deadline (27 October).

Backed by Dundee City Council and EventScotland, the team behind DUNDEE2023 want to create a programme like no other, packed with celebrations to show the richness of the region to the rest of Europe, and demonstrating the quality of imagination and invention the city is increasingly well known for.

The Bid has a new website https://dundee2023.eu/ where Dundonians, Scots and people from across the world can now submit ideas for the 2023 programme on the website. The programme will look to connect people and inspire new futures for young people, as well as encouraging creativity and re-connection with the environment.

The website will also document Dundonian’s individual connections to European communities through family or social links, but also across arts, music, heritage, sports and business relationships. This will grow over time to map thousands of connections illustrating a new way to see Dundee’s thriving relationship with Europe.

VisitScotland Chief Executive, Malcolm Roughead, said:

“We are delighted to be backing Dundee’s bid for the European City of Culture 2023 through our EventScotland team. This is an exciting opportunity for the city, and with its strong cultural reputation together with its existing programme of exciting events and festivals, it is the ideal candidate for 2023.

“I encourage all of Scotland to get behind Dundee’s bid and submit their ideas to help them create a truly memorable programme that captures the true spirit of Dundee and the country as a whole.”

Stewart Murdoch, Chairman of DUNDEE2023 said:

“This is a once in a generation opportunity – the equivalent of the cultural Olympics. It’s a chance for Dundee to host a year of major international events and showcase Scotland’s creative and cultural talent by winning a title that will never be available to the UK again.

"This Bid underlines the scale of the Dundee’s ambition which the city has shown in a series of bold projects for over two decades – but this would take us on to a whole new level.

“The Capital of Culture Bid is successful when the city is fully behind it, and we need to convince the competition judges of that. That’s why we’re asking those from the city and further afield to help us create a programme that connects people, inspires new futures, and encourages creativity in us all.

“Becoming European Capital of Culture 2023 would bring an estimated £128 million increase to the economy and create 1,600 new job opportunities – it’s an incredible chance for Dundee.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, said:

“This bid is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Scotland’s cultural ties with Europe and celebrate our diverse cultural heritage. With 100 days to go, I encourage Dundonians, Scots and people from across the world to contribute their ideas for Dundee as European Capital of Culture.

“International engagement makes a crucial contribution to sustainable economic growth, bringing fresh perspectives and new partnerships. As the first UNESCO City of Design in the UK and home to the world-class V&A museum, Dundee is helping to promote Scotland’s culture and design tradition worldwide, strengthening its reputation as an international hub of creative excellence. I wish Dundee every success with their bid.”

Councillor John Alexander, Dundee City Council said:

"Dundee is putting itself on the map with its ambitious and bold cultural strategy. However, our work is not just about putting the city on the map, but in making sure that all maps lead to Dundee.

"This city is and has been going through a cultural renaissance over the last few years and our journey towards 2023 is a hugely exciting opportunity.

"We are a city that is creating our own future, with 100 days to go until the bid is submitted, I would urge you all to play your part in shaping our vision for Dundee to be the European Capital of Culture for 2023.